Shaurya Chakra for IAF, CRPF bravehearts

An air force pilot who saved the lives of 17 commandos in an anti-naxal operation in Chhattisgarh and two CRPF commandos who killed Maoist leader Kishenji are among the 15 bravehearts awarded the country’s third highest peacetime gallantry award — Shaurya Chakra.

An air force pilot who saved the lives of 17 commandos in an anti-naxal operation in Chhattisgarh and two CRPF commandos who killed Maoist leader Kishenji are among the 15 bravehearts awarded the country’s third highest peacetime gallantry award — Shaurya Chakra.

HT Image

On an operation to fly commandos into the naxal-infested jungles of southern Chhattisgarh, Wing Commander VK Singh’s MI-17 helicopter had come under heavy fire from naxals. He was, however, able to fly the chopper and the third team of commandos to safety despite the helicopter developing technical problems.

Other two awardees include assistant commandants Nagendra Singh and Vinoj P Joseph of the central reserve police force’s CoBRA teams. The home ministry also announced the police medals.